SHOUTOUTS\ANSWERS

Nicole Lo: Hey, a new reviewer. Welcome. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Hope this is soon enough.

Keke1: I guess I'll have to take that. I thought I had explained it in the previous chapter, but hopefully this will be clearer.

JadeAlmasy: Hope this is soon enough.

OthfanAnna: Here's more. Glad you're enjoying the story.

Melms213: I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I hope this is soon enough.

DnAJunkie: I see I have another new reviewer. Welcome. I hope you like this chapter as well.

DISCLAIMER

Higher Ground characters don't belong to me, but Fox Family. I only own Cecilia.

An hour later, Scott was sitting in his own room, leaning against the bed, trying to will away what had happened in the previous hour. Once again, Cecilia had gotten what she wanted. So many times before, Scott was afraid that they would get caught, but the woman had always planned everything just right: finish her torture at least an hour before his parents came home. Scott buried his face in his lap and cried again. Suddenly, he heard the front door opening and looked up. Someone was home early. Wiping away his tears, he hurried down the stairs just in time to see his stepmother walk through the door.

"Hi, Elaine," Scott greeted.

"Hello, Scott," Elaine acknowledged. In her hands were two brown grocery bags.

"Here, let me help," Scott offered, taking one.

"Thank you," was her response. They placed the two bags on the counter, and then proceeded to bring in the rest of the groceries.

"So, how come you're home early?" Scott wondered.

"Oh, it was a slow day, so they let me take off," Elaine replied. The woman worked as a salesgirl at a card store.

"You're telling me that there wasn't even a guy who needed to buy a card to apologize to his girlfriend?" Scott joked. The woman laughed. Just then, Cecilia came out. Immediately, Scott tensed. Elaine noted the sudden rigidity of her stepson and frowned.

"Hey, you two. Need some help?" Cecilia queried.

"Yeah, that'd be great. Scott here's been doing all the heavy lifting and I bet he could use a break," Elaine answered. With that, the two friends walked out to the car on the driveway, leaving the door open, leaving Scott within hearing distance.

"You know, Lanie, I really want to thank you for letting me stay with you guys while my apartment's being renovated," Cecilia stated.

"Cecilia, what are best friends for?" Elaine laughed. Scott panted. This was why he had to act normal. Because of the friendship between Cecilia and his stepmother. No matter what happened, he couldn't hurt Elaine. He just couldn't. Scott ducked into a hallway as the two came back in carrying bags and laughing and talking. He pressed his back against a wall and panted shakily. The boy closed his eyes and wished he could just disappear.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

I know Elaine didn't look like someone who would work at anything, but remember, this AU. And I'll try to get as many chapters out as I can before I leave on vacation Friday. After that, you won't get any chapters for about a week. Sorry. Hope you enjoy what I can get up.